The process of hydraulic fracturing has been around since the 1940s, but only in recent years has it proven to be an economically viable option. Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", refers to the process of injecting large volumes of water, mixed with a proppant (usually sand) and chemicals, into a well at high pressure in order to fracture formations underground with low permeability. Due to technological advances allowing companies to drill horizontal wells in recent years, the use of hydraulic fracturing has grown exponentially in the United States. This is because hydraulic fracturing has allowed oil and gas companies to produce large hydrocarbon reserves in low-permeability shale formations previously thought to be economically inaccessible. This natural gas “boom” caused by the widespread use of hydraulic fracturing has offered great opportunities to the United States. By creating a large domestic energy supply, the United States was able to reduce its dependence on foreign oil imports. Additionally, natural gas has become a viable fuel source and even burns cleaner than other fossil fuels. However, fracking has also become a hot topic from an ethical perspective, with alarming environmental damage coming to light. With claims and studies that fracking has caused water contamination, water shortages, and even earthquakes, many people are questioning its current use and future viability. Some counties and states are even beginning to ban the use of hydraulic fracturing altogether. The first canon of the National Society of Professional Engineers Code of Ethics states that all engineers must “put first and foremost the safety, health, and welfare of the public.” (NSPE.org) In order to enforce this code, I believe the environment...... middle of paper ..., and I have not received enough recognition. Chemicals in fluids used in the fracking process can contaminate and pollute groundwater, and improper disposal of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing can contaminate and pollute rivers and streams with radioactive particles. These two problems can, in turn, cause adverse health risks for many people and animals. Besides causing water shortages in some areas and earthquakes in others, how can fracking ethically be allowed to continue at the current rate? With all these drawbacks noted, oil industry engineers must fulfill their ethical duties to society and slow down the use of hydraulic fracturing until more is known. Then, the positives and negatives of this process can be safely weighed to make an informed decision on the future of hydraulic fracturing implementation..